Endangered and Threatened Species; Status of Sacramento River Winter- run Chinook Salmon

NMFS has determined that the Sacramento River winter-run chinook salmon should be reclassified from threatened to endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA). NMFS has determined that the current biological status of the species is endangered based on the continued decline and increased variability of run sizes since its first listing as a threatened species in 1989, the expectation of weak returns in certain years as the result of two small year classes (1991 and 1993), and continuing threats to the population. Although measures implemented through consultations conducted under section 7 of the ESA and State and Federal regulatory actions are designed to reduce adverse impacts on the species, quantifiable improvements in population levels are not likely to be evident for several years. NMFS will continue to closely monitor the status of this population, and evaluate the protective measures to determine whether there is evidence that these measures have reduced or eliminated threats to the species and whether a change in status may be warranted.